It had been our intention to deliver 4 weeks of Advent Reflection in Laurencetown church for the Sundays in Advent. Unfortunatley, due to the present restrictions, (29.11.20), we are unable to do so on the 1st and 2nd Sunday. Part of the 40 minute Service included a 'modified Rosary' (below) where we identified our current situation with similar situations in Mary's own life. Hopefully you will be able to join us when we can go 'online' for the final two Sundays.

Advent Mysteries in a time of Pandemic

1^st Mystery: The Annunciation:
Mary waited for what the angel Gabriel had to say and she waited for her cousin Elizabeth to confirm her news. Later, she would wait by the cross. Waiting was part of Mary’s life and it’s part of our lives too.

We remember all who are waiting this Advent, waiting to see their loved ones, waiting for test results, waiting for appointments, waiting to start work again.

2nd Mystery: Proclamation of the Kingdom
Mary waited for news of her Son . . . Waited to hear the news from others telling her Jesus healed the sick, healed the lame, calmed those who were afraid, taught with authority. We remember all whose plans have been affected by the corona virus – waiting to reschedule their weddings, holidays, special occasions.

3rd Mystery: The Descent of the Holy Spirit
Mary trusted the guidance of the Holy Spirit in her own life and knew that same Holy Spirit would guide her when the sword of sorrow pierced her soul. Even in sorrow she trusted in the grace of the Holy Spirit.

We remember all who are in a position of power. May the Holy Spirit guide the politicians, leaders and scientists as they continue to try and find a solution.

4th Mystery: The Crucifixion
Mary knew the pain of separation when her Son was arrested. She knew the pain of sorrow when He was crucified to the cross and she had to depend on another’s generosity to find a place where He could be buried.

We remember families who have been separated from their loved ones in hospital, unable to be with them in their final hours and prevented from having a public funeral.

5th Mystery: The Coronation of our Lady as Queen of Heaven and Earth.

Mary, the Mother of Jesus, Mother of God who is our God too. We entrust to her care all who are suffering from coronavirus, all those who care for the sick in hospital, in care homes, in the community and at home. We remember all front line workers who ensure our lives continue as normally as possible. We ask Mary to carry our prayers to her Son.

Hail, holy Queen, Mother of mercy, hail, our life, our sweetness and our hope. To thee do we cry, poor banished children of Eve: to thee do we send up our sighs, mourning and weeping in this vale of tears. Turn then, most gracious Advocate, thine eyes of mercy toward us, and after this our exile, show unto us the blessed fruit of thy womb, Jesus, O clement, O loving, O sweet Virgin Mary! Amen.

Pray for us O Holy Mother of God
that we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray: O God, Whose only-begotten Son, by His life, death and resurrection, has purchased for us the rewards of eternal life, grant, we beseech You, that meditating upon these Mysteries of the Holy Rosary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may imitate what they contain, and obtain what they promise, through the same Christ, our Lord. Amen.